Michael Carrick injury update has raised some new concerns at Manchester United ahead of their Champions League clash with Como, with a number of first-team players still uncertain about return dates.
The United head coach responded to reports of missed training sessions by Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez, Patrick Dorgu and Benjamin Sesko at Carrington in his pre-match press conference. Carrick did not indicate when Martinez might be ready for the following game, although he confirmed that he was on the upswing of his recovery.
“Licha is not too bad, but he’s not with us, we will see if he is ready for the weekend,” Carrick told reporters.
The manager also gave dates for other players. It is estimated that it will take around another 10 days for Mainoo to recover, and more for Shaw. Carrick added that some players had been unwell and dubbed Heaven as being sick. However, Rashford is still dealing with a problem in his hip, which the club are also trying to fix.
“Marcus is still a little bit of a hip problem trying to get over, so it’s a little bit of a problem we are trying to work out.
Manchester United face a tough European match as they brace for some key absences following the change. The availability of those players may have an impact on Carrick’s selection, but no additional returns were offered for any of a number of players who were among them.
Carrick was also called in to comment on former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag’s comments about a ‘toxic culture’ that allegedly existed at the club. Carrick will be thinking about how he can play as much as he can, given the limited options he has with injured and ill players, as the match with Como draws near.
